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On crutches amid the gambolling Herdwicks On crutches amid the gambolling Herdwicks
(3 months later)
"Mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs," say the Psalms, so reminiscent of Keswick's surrounding fells. Causey Pike, Grisedale Pike, Skiddaw, Latrigg and Castlehead are the "gambolling Herdwicks" that look their best as I aim for the lake."Mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs," say the Psalms, so reminiscent of Keswick's surrounding fells. Causey Pike, Grisedale Pike, Skiddaw, Latrigg and Castlehead are the "gambolling Herdwicks" that look their best as I aim for the lake.
I am using crutches instead of trekking poles while recovering from a hip operation – a procedure different to the hip replacement I experienced in 1997, which then allowed me to climb once more. This replacement sadly broke in September, heralding a saga of postponements. Fortunately, Mr Patel of Royal Lancaster Infirmary agreed to mend my leg, warning it would be taxing. In December he pronounced his handiwork successful.I am using crutches instead of trekking poles while recovering from a hip operation – a procedure different to the hip replacement I experienced in 1997, which then allowed me to climb once more. This replacement sadly broke in September, heralding a saga of postponements. Fortunately, Mr Patel of Royal Lancaster Infirmary agreed to mend my leg, warning it would be taxing. In December he pronounced his handiwork successful.
With weeks of recovery still in front, it is the "lifting my eyes to the hills" that sustains the spirit. Mastering crutches is different to wielding trekking poles; I mustn't drop them. Now I walk with mobile phone fully charged just in case I lose my balance.With weeks of recovery still in front, it is the "lifting my eyes to the hills" that sustains the spirit. Mastering crutches is different to wielding trekking poles; I mustn't drop them. Now I walk with mobile phone fully charged just in case I lose my balance.
How invigorating it is to hear the cheeping from birds' nests on the isthmus at the northern end of Derwentwater, scent the earth in Isthmus Wood, glimpse Castlehead beyond winged seed pods hanging like heavy bunches of grapes on ash trees, feel the blast of prevailing westerlies over the bay and taste the sweet stems of vernal grass.How invigorating it is to hear the cheeping from birds' nests on the isthmus at the northern end of Derwentwater, scent the earth in Isthmus Wood, glimpse Castlehead beyond winged seed pods hanging like heavy bunches of grapes on ash trees, feel the blast of prevailing westerlies over the bay and taste the sweet stems of vernal grass.
There is the most vibrant display of the "40 shades of green" just now, from Blencathra green to hues of the Sherwood variety. Pan pipe music accompanies my progress with Cat Bells and Walla Crag overhead. The sound is seemingly so near but I am lost as to its source, finally realising it is the wind shrilling through holes in the alloy tubes of my crutches. But whoa! I recall the physiotherapist warned: "Never walk in a straight line following a hip revision operation. Remember, you have to walk back." Regretfully, I turn around.There is the most vibrant display of the "40 shades of green" just now, from Blencathra green to hues of the Sherwood variety. Pan pipe music accompanies my progress with Cat Bells and Walla Crag overhead. The sound is seemingly so near but I am lost as to its source, finally realising it is the wind shrilling through holes in the alloy tubes of my crutches. But whoa! I recall the physiotherapist warned: "Never walk in a straight line following a hip revision operation. Remember, you have to walk back." Regretfully, I turn around.
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